PORTLAND - The mayor of Portland, Oregon, says the two men who were fatally stabbed when they intervened as a man yelled racial slurs at two young women on a light-rail train who appeared to be Muslim "died heroes."

Speaking at a Saturday afternoon news conference, Mayor Ted Wheeler said "their actions were brave and selfless and should serve as an example, an inspiration to us all."

Police on Friday arrested 35-year-old Jeremy Joseph Christian of Portland. He is being held in the Multnomah County Jail on suspicion of aggravated murder and attempted murder.

Authorities say the stabbing occurred after a man yelled racial slurs at two young women, one of whom was wearing a hijab, and other men attempted to intervene.

Police said 53-year-old Ricky John Best of Happy Valley, Oregon, died at the scene on Friday, and 23-year-old Taliesin Myrddin Namkai Meche of Portland died at a hospital.

Police said 21-year-old Micah David-Cole Fletcher of Portland was also stabbed in the attack and is in serious condition at a Portland hospital.

Wheeler said Best was an Army veteran and a city employee.